The Queen’s English

The Queen’s English - 12/25/1205:58 PM

I was struck by this example of the Queen’s English in her Christmas message containing a form of words that would have been incorrect if spoken by anyone else:

"This past year has been one of great celebration for many. The enthusiasm which greeted the Diamond Jubilee was, of course, especially memorable for me and my family. It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.”

Re: The Queen’s English - 12/25/1209:00 PM

Re: The Queen’s English - 12/25/1210:36 PM

I'll take a stab and say it's "a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.”

With anyone else, the more correct verbiage probably should be "a duty which was passed to me" -- more of a bequeathment from one to another rather than an inherent acquisition of power (or title, or whatever) ...

Re: The Queen’s English - 12/27/1204:49 AM

Re: The Queen’s English - 12/28/1210:00 PM

In a Sovereign's English "Me and My Family" [Note capital notation. ] would be CORRECT since it is also correct to say in similar order: The Sun and The Planets; and in the same way does God talk of Himself, of The Christ and of the Holy Spirit.

The Queen was right once again and as always, as She can solely be. But alas, BBC-UK failed to adequately write the "quoted" Royal Phrase!